The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1887-05-04
THE FIRST PUBLIC MEETING
~Of the AnIi-Poverty Society In Ghickering
Hall, New York.


Society, of which DR.. McGlynn is presi-
dent and Henry George vice-president,
held its first public meeting tonight at
Chickering Hall. The hall was packed to
OVERLOOKING and on the platform were a
large number of the leaders of the United
Labor party. The exercises were opened
with singing by chorus OF fifty voices, led
by Miss Agnes Munier.
Henry George presided, and In the open
ing address said: '"The presence of such a
large audience at the first meeting of the
Anti-Poverty Society shows that there is
widespread feeling in the community
against the social crime of poverty. In
starting this society we do not propose
to form a church. There are already
is nothing ssctarian in the platform of the
society. All creeds are welcome. If Arch
bishop Corrigan choo ses to join he is well
come, and If Robert Ingersoll desires to be-
come a member ne is welcome, also. We
propose to arouse the religious sentiment
In men and women to help each other
and to do what charity can not do.
We hold that the poverty that testers in
the hearts of our great cities does not arise
from the nlggardliness of the Creator, but
from mans sInfulness. We will preach the
doctrine of him who said: Tnasmuch as
We have done it unto the least of these,
We have done it unto me- Not like those
who try 10 prosecute the men who stand
up for the rights Of the poor"
While Mr.. George was speaking DR.. Nc
Glynn stepped on the platform, and every
man and woman rose in their seats, aud
the greatest kind of enthusiasm reigned for
several minutes. When quiet was restored
DR.. McGiynn stepped to the reading desk
| aud said: II am intensely conscious that
we stand here tonight on historical
| platform. The founders OF this So
- -. 10 w-sn 1A1f~
| back upon to-night's meeting with pleasure
| and satisfaction. II is not amiss that 1, a
| priest of Christ, should stand here to speak
| of cause which proposes to abolish this
| horrid crime OF poverty, which is the in
| Justice of man in violation of the laws of
| God. l would be recreant to my sacred
| priesthood if / should fail to speak the
| word which / am commanded by my Lord
| and Master to speak. Surely, my friends, it
/ should hardly be necessary for priest to
apologize for loving the poor, for teaching
| men the better law as Christ taught the
| equality of men, because all are children
| OF common father. The laws of nature
| require Us to work. Work is not entirely
a curse. God intended it to bean ENJOY
able psrt OF mans education. Labor is
not bad thing. 1t is q necessity. 1t Is
the fruitful source of all great things and
| noble aspirations. The teacher or
L
what God has given them is a sacriligeous
thief, and care not who ne may be. The
solution Of all moral questions must begin
by the repeating of the law that condemns
men to poverty, men who call themselves
followers of him who loved the poor land
God forgive them.) Even preachers OF
Christ find it in their hearts to tell us that
we are SHINING against God, that we are
invading the sacred rights OF property
when we take 1t into our hearts to say that
this thing has been going on long enough
DR.. McGlynn in closing said that he al.
ways intended to remain a Catholic, and
TO preach Catholic doctrine, and try and
bring back religion to the world. IRE
ligion will never be right until we shat
see a democratic Pope walking dowr
Broadway with stoye-pipe hat
on his head and carrying an um
brella under his arm. In my opin
ion that man will be the greatest
of lpopes.,, Instead of having men carry
him on their shoulders, he will have the
laugh on them, for he Will carry them in
his hearth
It the close OF the services an anthem
was sung By the choir and audience. The
society proposes to hold meetings every
Sunday night at Chickering Hall.